Heavily damaged by a mine off Flushing, the Netherlands in position 52º33'N, 03º06'E. 2 of the crew were killed. She was taken back to Kent where she was declared a constructive total loss not worth repairing.

The Bronte was torpedoed and damaged on 27 October 1939 by German U-boat U-34 180 nautical miles west of Lands End in position 49°30'N, 12°15'W.

8 Mar 1940HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) picks up 78 survivors from the British merchant Counsellor that was sunk 6 nautical miles bearing 280 from Liverpool Bar Lightship in position 53°38'N, 03°23'W after hitting a mine laid on 6 January 1940 by German U-boat U-30

13 May 1940HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) evacuated from IJmuiden, Holland leading members of the Netherlands bank and industrial diamonds. (1)

27 Jul 1940HMS Walpole (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Bowerman, RN) was damaged by bombs from German aircraft while escorting a convoy off Dover.